[ journal.com.ph ] June 13, 2008
State-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority petitioned the Toll Regulatory Board the other day to fully open the entire 93.77-km Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, timed with the opening of classes.
TRB granted BCDA a toll-operation permit last April 25 covering mainly the 50.5-kilometer Clark-Subic and a small portion of Clark-Tarlac, specifically the North Clark A Interchange.
The TOP, however, did not allow commercial operations for the rest of the 43.27-km Clark-Tarlac segment, pointing to the hazards posed by the on-going construction of overpasses and the installation of Transco lines in the Tarlac area.
In asking TRB to fully open the entire 93.77-km SCTEX stretch, BCDA president and CEO Narciso Abaya pointed out that all the conditions set by TRB have been met.
Abaya said they have drawn up a comprehensive traffic and safety management plan that sufficiently addresses the safety concerns of the TRB, related to the construction of six overpasses in Tarlac. The plan, developed with SCTEX operator Tollways Management Corp., has a system of lane- closure management, re-routing, early warning systems and deployment of patrol crews to ensure safe and smooth traffic while the overpasses are being completed and elective cables are installed.
The BCDA president informed TRB that all Transco lines will be finished by July 31, 2008, while the overpasses will be completed in Aug. 18, 2008. “We are confident that we have fully addressed the safety issues normally accompanying construction activities of this nature,” Abaya said.
BCDA pointed out that it is now “ripe” to open the Clark-Tarlac segment to time with the opening of classes, the increase of activities in trade and commerce in Central and North Luzon, and the overall resurgent mood of the Philippine economy.
Meanwhile, the Clark-Subic segment is experiencing steady increase in traffic volume.
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority has become bullish with burgeoning business in Subic and Clark with the opening of SCTEX’s Clark-Subic roadway.
“We wish to see the same stimulated economy in areas north of Clark, notably Tarlac and other neighboring provinces,” BCDA said.
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